Device and method for tacking a prosthetic screen

ABSTRACT

Prosthetic screen tacking device including a filament with at least one barb and one or more of a perpendicular foot at one end, a loop at the other end and a needle at the other end. When a needle and loop are present, the loop is situated between the barbs and the needle. The barbs are situated near the foot and angulated to permit movement of the device through a prosthetic screen and body tissue in one direction, but prevent movement in the opposite direction toward the foot. When the loop, or another form of an expanded portion of the filament, is present, it prevents the premature retrograde dislodgement of the filament from the abdominal wall after the loop has been forwardly passed through the abdominal wall and before the barbs engage with the abdominal wall. Methods of using the device with and without an associated button are disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/636,841, filed Aug. 7, 2003, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/841,929 filed May 7, 2004, both of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a device and method that simplifies the attachment of a prosthetic screen (also referred to as a hernia patch or mesh) to the abdominal wall during the repair of abdominal wall hernias.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

The layer or layers of fascia in the abdominal wall that surround the peritoneal cavity are the strong structures that maintain the integrity of the peritoneal cavity. If there is a defect in the fascia, abdominal contents may penetrate weaker layers of the abdominal wall (comprised of muscle or fat) and push ahead the abdominal cavity's thin lining (peritoneum) so that abdominal contents, such as omentum or bowel, within their envelope of peritoneum, become situated in a subcutaneous position, often causing a visible bulge.

Viscera being squeezed through a fascial defect can cause pain. When a visceral structure becomes trapped outside a fascial plane, it is said to be incarcerated. Incarcerated viscera can be strangulated by a narrow fascial defect, producing ischemic necrosis. This may lead to infection and death if not surgically repaired. Hernias are therefore usually repaired electively, before they become incarcerated or strangulated.

Historically, hernias of the abdominal wall were repaired by closing the fascial defect with sutures. Large hernias tend to recur if closed in this way. Prosthetic screens, made of plastic mesh or sheets, are now frequently used to cover large fascial defects. One way to implant the prosthetic screen is illustrated in prior art FIG. 1. Here, the prosthesis 1 is attached to the fascia 2 c of the abdominal wall 2 with sutures 3. This is relatively easy to do, but the repair has a high rate of failure because the sutured prosthesis often pulls away from the fascial edge.

Other ways to secure prosthetic screens are shown in prior art FIGS. 2-5. In each of these methods the prosthesis 1 overlaps the edge of the fascia 2 c. These methods are less likely to fail. Increased intra-abdominal pressure tends to force the periphery of the prosthesis against the abdominal wall rather than pull the prosthesis away from the fascia. A gap where both prosthesis and fascia are absent is less likely to develop.

If the prosthetic screen is allowed to overlap the edges of the fascial defect, there are a number of ways it can be secured in place as illustrated in prior art FIGS. 2-5. The sutures 3 can secure the fascia 2 c to the prosthesis 1 inward from the edge of the prosthesis as shown in prior art FIG. 2. This is technically easy when the surgery is done in the conventional “open” approach. However materials such as Gortex™ or polypropylene mesh used for prosthetic screens are soft and may buckle and deform outside the suture line, so that the structural advantage of the overlap with fascia is not realized.

A better method is to secure the prosthesis 1 to the abdominal wall fascia 2 c with sutures 3 as close to the edge of the prosthesis as possible, while maintaining generous overlap between prosthesis and intact fascia as shown in prior art FIG. 3. However, it can be difficult to secure an overlapping intraperitoneal prosthesis at its periphery when performing surgery using a conventional open approach. Access to the inside surface of the abdominal wall overlying the periphery of the prosthesis is limited. The more the overlap, the more difficult the access.

In order to achieve generous overlap the surgeon may bring the sutures through the abdominal wall as shown in prior art FIGS. 4 and 5. The midpoint of a suture 3 may be tied to the edge of the prosthesis 1, and the two ends brought out directly through the abdominal wall 2 near one another, through a single small separate incision 4 in the skin 2 a as shown in prior art FIG. 4. Both ends of this transmural suture 3 are then tied together, placing the knot 5 beneath the skin in the subcutaneous tissue 2 b as shown in prior art FIG. 5. The skin incision 4 is closed separately with skin sutures 6 or staples (not shown). This process is completed around the periphery of the prosthesis.

If surgery is done by a minimally invasive technique (i.e., laparoscopic surgery), the surgeon's view is from within the abdominal cavity looking up at the anterior abdominal wall. The periphery of the prosthesis can be fixed to the abdominal wall by direct suture (using a laparoscopic suture technique), or by using one of several fixation devices, such as staples or helical tacks. Alternatively, sutures can be fixed to the prosthesis before it is introduced into the peritoneal cavity. Once the prosthesis is correctly positioned, both ends of these sutures can be pulled through the abdominal wall and the same small skin incision and the ends tied together, placing the knot subcutaneously. Transmural sutures provide the most secure fixation of prosthetic screens. Hernia recurrence rates are lower when transmural sutures are used. A combination of techniques, using a few transmural sutures, at equidistant points along the periphery of the prosthesis, with staples or helical tacks in between, is also useful.

Despite the many advances made in laparoscopic suturing techniques as well as in open hernia repair, there are still many problems to be overcome. One problem is that in order to secure the prosthesis to the abdominal wall at a single point with a transmural suture, each suture end must be pulled separately through the abdominal wall. This is time consuming. Another problem is that after placement of both ends of each suture through the abdominal wall, they must be clamped together above the body wall while other transmural sutures are placed, because it is much easier to place transmural sutures before the prosthesis is hoisted up against the abdominal wall. Clamping insures that suture ends do not inadvertently pull out of the abdominal wall during this process. Many clamps clutter the operative field and the sutures and clamps tend to entangle one another. Furthermore, multiple short skin incisions must be made to set the knot of each tied pair subcutaneously. This process is somewhat time-consuming and the multiple skin incisions produce a poor cosmetic result. Moreover, when two strands of suture are tied subcutaneously to secure a prosthetic screen, tissues of the abdominal wall are captured and partially strangulated within the ligature. This often produces postoperative pain and cosmetically undesirable dimpling of the skin at the ligature sites.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device and method to fix a prosthetic screen to the abdominal wall.

It is another object of the invention to provide a device and method to fix a prosthetic screen to the abdominal wall that is applicable to both the open and laparoscopic methods of hernia repair.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a device and method to fix a prosthetic screen to the abdominal wall which requires penetrating the abdominal wall only once for each point of fixation.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a device that is more easily grasped by a suture passer than is a single strand of suture.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a device that impedes accidental withdrawal once it is passed through the abdominal wall.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a device and method to fix a prosthetic screen to the abdominal wall that does not require the tying of sutures.

It is another object of the invention to provide a device and method to fix a prosthetic screen to the abdominal wall that does not require a skin incision to obtain subcutaneous fixation.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a device and method to fix a prosthetic screen to the abdominal wall that does not strangulate tissues of the abdominal wall.

It is another object of the invention to provide a device and method to fix a prosthetic screen to the abdominal wall that is particularly applicable to open surgery.

In order to achieve these objects and others, which will be discussed in detail below, one embodiment of a prosthetic screen tacking device according to the invention includes a barbed filament with a perpendicular foot at one end, or other structure at that end which prevents the tacking device from passing entirely through the prosthetic screen to which it is attached. The foot may be a linear form, so that end of the device forms a T. The barbs are situated near the foot and angulated in such a manner that they permit movement of the device through tissue in one direction (away from the foot), but prevent movement in the opposite direction (toward the foot). Instead of a plurality of barbs, a single barb can be provided.

A second embodiment includes a loop at the end of the filament opposite the foot.

Using the second embodiment of the tacking device and the open method of hernia repair, several tacking devices of the second embodiment are pulled through the prosthetic screen equidistantly along the periphery (circumference) of the prosthesis. The assembly is then positioned within the open abdominal cavity, over the viscera. A suture passer (a needle-like implement with the ability to grasp sutures) is then used to penetrate the abdominal wall at a point opposing the location where one tacking device penetrates the prosthesis, a point substantially beyond the edge of the fascial defect. The suture passer grasps the loop of the tacking device, and draws it back through the abdominal wall, so that the loop lies external to the body. The loop is then disengaged from the suture passer. The tacking device remains in place because the loop impedes accidental withdrawal from the abdominal wall. The same action is repeated until the loops of all devices are passed through the abdominal wall. Each device is then pulled further through the abdominal wall by grabbing the loop and pulling upward. The devices are pulled as far as possible using appropriate force to draw the prosthesis against the abdominal wall. This action draws the barb(s) into the abdominal wall and through at least one fascial layer. Each device is then pulled by its loop under tension. The skin, where penetrated by the device, is simultaneously pressed downward, further compressing the abdominal wall, and the filament is severed at skin level. Pressure is released, the abdominal wall expands and the severed end of the filament recedes beneath the skin. The barb(s) on the remaining portion of the filament prevent dislodgement of the device, which prevents the prosthesis from pulling away from the abdominal wall. The abdominal wound above the prosthesis is closed as completely as possible by standard technique, and the operation is concluded.

The tacking device of the invention can be similarly utilized in a laparoscopic procedure. Here the devices are loaded onto the periphery of the prosthesis, the assembly is rolled up or folded introduced through a cannula or port site into the peritoneal cavity. Within the peritoneal cavity the assembly is unrolled or unfolded and oriented so that the loops are upward towards the abdominal wall. A suture passer is then used to penetrate the abdominal wall at a point corresponding to the preferred point of fixation of a particular device and the procedure proceeds substantially the same as described above.

Other embodiments of the invention incorporate needles, swaged or attached by other means, to the embodiments described above and are primarily used only during open surgery. One such embodiment, a third embodiment of the tacking device, includes a barbed filament with a perpendicular foot at one end (or other structure which achieves the same function as described above) and a needle at the other. The foot may be a linear form, so that end of the device forms a T. The barbs are situated near the foot and angulated in such a manner that they permit movement of the device through tissue in one direction (toward the needle), but prevent movement in the opposite direction (toward the foot).

Using the third embodiment of the tacking device and the open method of hernia repair, the needle of a tacking device is passed through the prosthetic screen at a point along the periphery of the prosthesis. The tacking device is pulled so that the filament and barb(s) pass through the prosthesis and the foot, which cannot penetrate the prosthesis, is adjacent to the prosthesis. The assembly is then positioned near or within the open peritoneal cavity. The needle is then used to penetrate the abdominal wall at a point that will oppose the location where the tacking device penetrates the prosthesis when the prosthesis is finally secured against the abdominal wall. The needle and portion of the filament is drawn up through all layers of the abdominal wall. The needle is then disengaged from the filament and the free end of the filament is clamped. A second tacking device is similarly passed through the prosthesis at another point along the periphery of the prosthesis so that its foot is adjacent to the prosthesis. The needle and portion of the filament of this tacking device are then passed through the abdominal wall, and the needle disengaged and the filament clamped. More tacking devices are passed through the prosthesis and abdominal wall in a similar manner, so that tacking devices are distributed around the entire periphery of the prosthesis and wound, and are relatively equidistant from one another where they pass through the prosthesis and where they pass through the abdominal wall. Each device is then pulled further through the abdominal wall by grabbing the filament and pulling upward. The devices are pulled as far as possible using appropriate force to draw the prosthesis against the abdominal wall. This action draws the barb(s) into the abdominal wall and through at least one fascial layer. The skin, where penetrated by the device, is simultaneously pressed downward, further compressing the abdominal wall, and the filament is severed at skin level. Pressure is released, the abdominal wall expands and the severed end of the filament recedes beneath the skin. The barb(s) on the remaining portion of the filament prevent dislodgement of the device, which prevents the prosthesis from pulling away from the abdominal wall. The abdominal wound above the prosthesis is closed as completely as possible by standard technique, and the operation is concluded.

A second embodiment of the invention incorporating a needle includes an expanded portion such as a loop located between the barb(s) and the needle. The expanded portion, when passed entirely through the abdominal wall, obviates the need for a clamp to hold the device in place while the other devices are installed, since it impedes retrograde passage of the device through the abdominal wall. In particular, a loop is also useful in pulling the filament up through the abdominal wall to secure the barb(s).

One advantage of the tacking device of the invention over the conventional transmural suture is that it requires one filament rather than two suture ends to be drawn through the abdominal wall to secure the prosthesis at any point on its periphery. Thus, half the work is required.

Another advantage of the embodiments with loops is that the loop of the device provides an excellent handle that can be used to secure the barb(s).

Another advantage is that the loop of the device provides an excellent handle that a suture passer can grasp more easily than a single suture strand.

Another advantage of the embodiments with loops, or other expansions in place of the loop, is that once pulled through the abdominal wall, the device will not easily be inadvertently withdrawn, since the loop, or other expansion, will prevent withdrawal. Conventional sutures on the other hand can be accidentally withdrawn if not secured by a surgical clamp.

Another advantage is that no knot is required when using the device.

Another advantage is that no skin incision is required to place a knot subcutaneously.

Another advantage is that, unlike a transmural suture, this tacking device will not strangulate tissue of the abdominal wall and therefore will not produce as much postoperative pain.

Another advantage is that, unlike a transmural suture, this device will not produce cosmetically undesirable dimpling of the skin.

Furthermore, a knot below a skin incision is more likely to become infected than is the single filament of the tacking device of the invention, which retracts into the abdominal wall well below a small skin puncture site. Infectious agents are then less likely to travel down to infect the prosthetic screen. Use of the tacking device of the invention will result in fewer prosthetic screen infections, which are a major cause of morbidity, re-operation and recurrent hernia. Infected prosthetic screens must often be removed to control infection.

Another advantage during open surgery of the embodiments wherein the tacking device includes a needle is that a suture passer is not needed since the device includes a needle which can be used to thread the filament through the body tissue.

Another improvement of the present invention is a new barb design which passes through the skin easier when being installed and provides greater holding strength when installed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like elements.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate prior art methods of securing a prosthetic screen;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of a prosthetic screen tacking device according to the invention;

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate how the first embodiment of the novel prosthetic screen tacking device is used in conventional open surgery;

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate how the first embodiment of the prosthetic screen tacking device is used in laparoscopic surgery;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of a prosthetic screen tacking device according to the invention;

FIGS. 14-17 illustrate how the second embodiment of the novel prosthetic screen tacking device is used in conventional open surgery;

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate how the second embodiment of the prosthetic screen tacking device is used in laparoscopic surgery;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of a third embodiment of a prosthetic screen tacking device according to the invention;

FIGS. 21 and 22 schematically illustrate how the third embodiment of the prosthetic screen tacking device is used in conventional open surgery;

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of a fourth embodiment of a prosthetic screen tacking device according to the invention;

FIGS. 23A and 23B show alternative structure to the loop in embodiments of the prosthetic screen tacking device in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 24 and 25 schematically illustrate how the fourth embodiment of the prosthetic screen tacking device is used in conventional open surgery;

FIGS. 26-28 illustrate different embodiments of the foot of the tacking device;

FIGS. 27A and 28A show alternative structure to the foot in embodiments of a prosthetic screen tacking device in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 29-31 illustrate different embodiments of the barbs of the tacking device;

FIG. 32 is a broken side elevational view of a filament with a barb according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 33 is a view similar to FIG. 32 rotated 90 degrees about the axis of the filament; and

FIGS. 34-38 illustrate embodiments of a button that can be passed over the filament in order to further secure the tacking device and prevent its withdrawal from the abdominal wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring first to FIG. 6, a first embodiment of a prosthetic screen tacking device 10 includes a filament 12 with a perpendicular foot 14 at one end and at least one barb 18 adjacent to the foot 14. The foot 14 may be a linear (or planar) form, so that end of the device 10 forms a T or may have other configurations as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 26-28A. The barb(s) 18 are angulated in such a manner that they permit movement of the device 10 through a prosthetic screen and body tissue in one direction (toward end 17), but prevent movement in the opposite direction (toward the foot 14).

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate how the tacking device 10 is used in the open method of hernia repair. Several devices 10 are pulled through the prosthetic screen 1 equidistantly along the periphery (circumference) of the prosthesis 1. The assembly is then positioned within the open peritoneal cavity, over the viscera (FIG. 7). A suture passer 7 is then used to penetrate the abdominal wall at a point opposing the location where one device penetrates the prosthesis, a point substantially beyond the edge of the fascial defect. The suture passer 7 grasps the filament 12 towards its free end 17 and draws a portion of the filament 12 back through all layers of the abdominal wall 2, including the peritoneum 2 d, fascia 2 c, muscle if present (not shown), subcutaneous tissue 2 b and skin 2 a, so that end 17 of filament 12 lies external to the body. Filament 12 is then disengaged from the suture passer and its free end 17 clamped to prevent withdrawal back through the abdominal wall 2. The same action is repeated until the free ends 17 of filaments 12 of all devices are pulled through the abdominal wall 2.

Each device 10 is then pulled further through the abdominal wall by grabbing filaments 12 near their free ends 17 and pulling upward so that the barb(s) 18 engage the abdominal wall as shown in FIG. 8. The devices are pulled as far as possible using appropriate force to draw the prosthesis 1 against the abdominal wall 2. When all devices have been pulled in this fashion the prosthesis is secure against the abdominal wall circumferentially.

Each device 10 is then pulled upward by its filament 12 near its free end 17 under tension. The skin 2 a, where penetrated by the device, is simultaneously pressed downward as shown in FIG. 9, further compressing the abdominal wall, and the filament is severed at skin level. Pressure is released, the abdominal wall 2 re-expands and the severed end of the filament recedes beneath the skin 2 a as shown in FIG. 10. The barb(s) 18 on the remaining portion of the filament prevent dislodgement of the device, which prevents the prosthesis 1 from pulling away from the abdominal wall 2. The abdominal wound above the prosthesis 1 is closed as completely as possible by standard technique, and the operation is concluded.

The tacking device 10 can be similarly utilized in a laparoscopic procedure. Here the devices are loaded onto the periphery of the prosthesis. The assembly of prosthesis and tacking devices is rolled up or folded and introduced into the peritoneal cavity through a cannula or, with the aid of a tool 9, through a port site 8 in the abdominal wall 2 (FIG. 11). The assembly is unrolled or unfolded and oriented within the peritoneal cavity so that the free ends 17 of filaments 12 are upward towards the abdominal wall (FIG. 12). The procedure continues in substantially the same manner as described above with reference to FIGS. 8-10.

Turning now to FIG. 13, a second embodiment of a prosthetic screen tacking device 20 includes a filament 22 with a perpendicular foot 24 at one end and a loop 26 at the other end. At least one barb 28 is provided adjacent to the foot 24. The foot 24 may be a linear form, so that end of the device forms a T or may have other configurations as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 26-28A. The barb(s) 28 are angulated in such a manner that they permit movement of the device through a prosthetic screen and body tissue in one direction (toward the loop 26), but prevent movement in the opposite direction (toward the foot 24).

FIGS. 14-17 illustrate how the tacking device 20 is used in the open method of hernia repair. Several devices 20 are pulled through the prosthetic screen 1 equidistantly along the periphery (circumference) of the prosthesis 1. The assembly is then positioned within the open peritoneal cavity, over the viscera (FIG. 14). A suture passer 7 is then used to penetrate the abdominal wall at a point opposing the location where one device penetrates the prosthesis, a point substantially beyond the edge of the fascial defect. The suture passer 7 grasps the loop 26 of the device and draws it back through all layers of the abdominal wall 2, including the peritoneum 2 d, fascia 2 c, muscle if present (not shown), subcutaneous tissue 2 b and skin 2 a, so that the loop lies external to the body. The loop is then disengaged from the suture passer. The tacking device will remain in place, because substantial force is necessary to withdraw the loop even before the barb(s) engage the abdominal wall. The same action is repeated until the loops of all devices are pulled through the abdominal wall.

Each device 20 is then pulled further through the abdominal wall by grabbing the loop 26 and pulling upward so that the barb(s) 28 engage the abdominal wall as shown in FIG. 15. The devices are pulled as far as possible using appropriate force to draw the prosthesis 1 against the abdominal wall 2. When all devices have been pulled in this fashion the prosthesis is secure against the abdominal wall circumferentially.

Each device 20 is then pulled by its loop 26 under tension. The skin 2 a, where penetrated by the device 20, is simultaneously pressed downward as shown in FIG. 16, further compressing the abdominal wall 2, and the filament 22 is severed at skin level. Pressure is released, the abdominal wall 2 re-expands and the severed end of the filament recedes beneath the skin 2 a as shown in FIG. 17. The barb(s) 28 on the remaining portion of the filament 22 prevent dislodgement of the device 20, which prevents the prosthesis 1 from pulling away from the abdominal wall 2. The abdominal wound above the prosthesis 1 is closed as completely as possible by standard technique, and the operation is concluded.

The tacking device 20 can be similarly utilized in a laparoscopic procedure. Here the devices are loaded onto the periphery of the prosthesis. The assembly of prosthesis and tacking devices is rolled up or folded and introduced into the peritoneal cavity through a cannula or, with the aid of a tool 9, through a port site 8 in the abdominal wall 2 (FIG. 18). The assembly is unrolled or unfolded and oriented within the peritoneal cavity so that the loops 26 are upward towards the abdominal wall 2 (FIG. 19). The procedure continues in substantially the same manner as described above with reference to FIGS. 15-17.

Turning now to FIG. 20, a prosthetic screen tacking device 30 includes a filament 32 with a perpendicular foot 34 at one end and a needle 35 at the other end. At least one barb 38 is provided adjacent to the foot 34. The foot 34 may be a linear form, so that end of the device forms a T or may have other configurations as described below. The barb(s) 38 are angulated in such a manner that they permit movement of the device through the prosthesis and body tissue in one direction (toward the needle 35), but prevent movement in the opposite direction (toward the foot 34).

FIGS. 21 and 22 schematically illustrate how the tacking device 30 is used in the open method of hernia repair. The needle 35 of a first tacking device 30 is passed through a prosthetic screen 1 at a point along the periphery (circumference) of the prosthesis 1. The tacking device is pulled so that the filament 32 and barb(s) 38 pass through the prosthesis and the foot 34, which cannot penetrate the prosthesis, is adjacent to the prosthesis. The assembly is then positioned near or within the open peritoneal cavity. The needle 35 is then used to penetrate the abdominal wall 2 (left side of FIG. 21), at a point that will be opposing the location where the tacking device penetrates the prosthesis when the prosthesis 1 is secured against the abdominal wall 2, a point substantially beyond the edge of the fascial defect. The needle and portion of filament 32 is drawn up through all layers of the abdominal wall 2, including the peritoneum 2 d, fascia 2 c, muscle if present (not shown), subcutaneous tissue 2 b and skin 2 a, so that the needle 35 lies external to the body (right side of FIG. 21). The needle 35 is then disengaged or cut-off from the filament 32 (FIG. 22) and the filament 32 is held in place with a clamp (not shown).

A second tacking device 30 is similarly passed through the prosthesis 1 at another point along the periphery of the prosthesis 1, so that its foot 34 is adjacent to the prosthesis. The needle 35 and portion of the filament 32 of this tacking device 30 are then passed through the abdominal wall 2, and its needle 35 disengaged and filament clamped, as had been done with the first tacking device. More tacking devices 30 are then passed through the prosthesis 1 and abdominal wall 2 in a similar manner, so that tacking devices 30 are distributed around the entire periphery of the prosthesis 1 and wound, and are relatively equidistant from one another where they pass through the prosthesis 1 and where they pass through the abdominal wall 2.

Each device 30 is then pulled further through the abdominal wall so that the barb(s) 38 engage the abdominal wall as shown in FIG. 22. The devices 30 are pulled as far as possible using appropriate force to draw the prosthesis 1 against the abdominal wall 2 with the aid of foot 34. When all devices 30 have been pulled in this fashion, the prosthesis 1 is secure against the abdominal wall 2 circumferentially.

Each device 30 is then pulled under tension. The skin 2 a, where penetrated by the device, is simultaneously pressed downward, as described above, further compressing the abdominal wall 2, and the filament 32 is severed at skin level. Pressure is released, the abdominal wall re-expands and the severed end of filament 32 recedes beneath the skin. The barb(s) 38 on the remaining portion of filament 32 prevent dislodgement of device 30, which prevents prosthesis 1 from pulling away from abdominal wall 2. The abdominal wound above prosthesis 1 is closed as completely as possible by standard or conventional techniques, and the operation is concluded.

Turning now to FIG. 23, a fourth embodiment of a prosthetic screen tacking device 40 includes a filament 42 with a perpendicular foot 44 at one end and a needle 45 at the other end. At least one barb 48 is provided adjacent to foot 44. Foot 44 may be a linear form, so that end of the device forms a T or may have other configurations as described in more detail below. Barb(s) 48 are angulated in such a manner that they permit movement of the device through tissue in one direction (toward needle 45), but prevent movement in the opposite direction (toward foot 44). According to this embodiment, a loop 46 is formed in the filament at a location between barb(s) 48 and needle 45. The loop 46 performs the same functions as does loop 26 of tacking device 20, as previously described, except for the function of serving as a handle for a suture passer to grasp.

FIGS. 24 and 25 schematically illustrate how the tacking device 40 is used in the open method of hernia repair. The needle 45 of a first tacking device 40 is passed through a prosthetic screen at a point along the periphery (circumference) of the prosthesis 1. The tacking device is pulled so that the filament 42, loop 46 and barb(s) 48 pass through the prosthesis and the foot 44, which cannot penetrate the prosthesis, is adjacent to the prosthesis. The assembly is then positioned near or within the open peritoneal cavity. The needle 45 is then used to penetrate the abdominal wall (left side of FIG. 24), at a point that will be opposing the location where the tacking device penetrates the prosthesis when the prosthesis 1 is secured against the abdominal wall, a point substantially beyond the edge of the fascial defect. The needle 45, loop 46, and portion of filament 42 is drawn up through all layers of the abdominal wall 2, including the peritoneum 2 d, fascia 2 c, muscle if present (not shown), subcutaneous tissue 2 b and skin 2 a, so that the needle 45 and loop 46 are external to the body. The needle 45 is then disengaged or cut-off from the filament 42 (right side of FIG. 24). The tacking device 40 will remain in place, because substantial force is necessary to withdraw loop 46 even before the barb(s) 48 engage the abdominal wall 2.

A second tacking device 40 is similarly passed through the prosthesis 1 at another point along the periphery of the prosthesis 1, so that its foot 44 is adjacent to the prosthesis. The needle 45, loop 46 and portion of the filament 42 of this tacking device 40 are then passed through the abdominal wall 2, and the needle 45 disengaged and the filament 42 clamped, as had been done with the first tacking device. More tacking devices 40 are then passed through the prosthesis 1 and abdominal wall 2 in a similar manner, so that tacking devices 40 are distributed around the entire periphery of the prosthesis 1 and wound, and are relatively equidistant from one another where they pass through the prosthesis 1 and where they pass through the abdominal wall 2.

Each tacking device 40 is then pulled further through the abdominal wall by grabbing loop 46 and pulling upward so that the barb(s) 48 engage the abdominal wall 2 as shown in FIG. 25. The devices 40 are pulled as far as possible using appropriate force to draw the prosthesis 1 against the abdominal wall 2 with the aid of foot 44. When all devices 40 have been pulled in this fashion, the prosthesis 1 is secure against the abdominal wall 2 circumferentially.

Each device 40 is then pulled by its loop 46 under tension. The skin 2 a, where penetrated by the device, is simultaneously pressed downward as described above, further compressing the abdominal wall 2, and the filament 42 is severed at skin level. Pressure is released, the abdominal wall 2 re-expands and the severed end of filament 42 recedes beneath the skin. The barb(s) 48 on the remaining portion of the filament 42 prevent dislodgement of the device, which prevents the prosthesis 1 from pulling away from the abdominal wall 2. The abdominal wound above the prosthesis 1 is closed as completely as possible by standard or conventional techniques, and the operation is concluded.

Instead of loop 46, other structure which enables the device 40 to remain in place with at least a portion of the device 40 above the abdominal wall 2 and the barbs 48 entirely below the abdominal wall 2 can be provided without deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention. This structure counters the risk that the device 40 will return through the abdominal wall 2 before at least the forwardmost barb 48 engages the abdominal wall 2. This structure can be situated near the forward end of the filament 42 as is loop 46.

Generally, the structure will constitute an expanded portion of filament which, once forcibly passed through the abdominal wall 2, will not be easily withdrawn from the abdominal wall 2 in the absence of intentional force, i.e., it impedes retrograde passage of the device 40 through the abdominal wall 2. Thus, inadvertent pressure against the screen 1 will not result in the device 40 being dislodged from the abdominal wall 2 while other devices 40 are being partially implanted and before all are pulled further into the abdominal wall 2 so that their barbs 48 engage the abdominal wall 2.

Loop 46 is one example of an expanded portion of filament with other examples being a barb 46 a angulated in such a manner that will not significantly impede movement of the device 40 through tissue in one direction (away from the foot 44), but will significantly impede movement in the opposite direction (toward the foot 44)(see FIG. 23A) and a spherical bead 46 b (see FIG. 23B). Bead 46 b may alternatively be elliptical. To achieve the stated function, barb 46 a has a point more proximate the end of the filament 42 at which the foot 44 is situated than the end of the filament 42 at which the needle 45 is situated.

Devices 10, 20, 30 and 40 may be color coded so that they may be more easily identified for handling in the proper sequence. They may be made of a biodegradable and absorbable material (e.g., polylactic acid, polydioxanone, polyglycolide, etc.) so that they disintegrate and disappear after the prosthetic screen is naturally integrated into the abdominal wall and no longer able to dislodge.

As mentioned above, the geometry of feet 14, 24, 34 and 44 can vary. Examples are shown in FIGS. 26-28A. FIG. 26 shows a linear foot 14 a. FIG. 27 shows a circular foot 14 b, and FIG. 28 shows an elliptical foot 14 c. FIG. 27A shows a spherical foot 14 d and FIG. 28A shows an ellipsoid foot 14 e.

Instead of any of feet 14, 24, 34, 44, any other structure which prevents the end of the device below the respective barbs 18, 28, 38, 48 from passing through the prosthetic screen can be used in the invention without deviating from the scope and spirit thereof. This structure can be at the end of the device as feet 14, 24, 34, 44 are, or can be arranged below the respective barbs 18, 28, 38, 48 yet not directly at the end of the device.

As mentioned above, the configuration of barbs 18, 28, 38 and 48 may also vary. FIG. 29 shows bilateral barbs 18 a. FIG. 30 shows unilateral barbs 18 b, which may alternate on different sides of the filament, or be positioned along different planes with respect to the axis of the filament. FIG. 31 shows conical barbs 18 c.

Another barb configuration, barb 18 d, is illustrated in FIGS. 32 and 33. Barb 18 d has an upper end 101 and a lower end 102. The barb 18 d is flared in two directions from the upper end 101 to the lower end 102. As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the two directions are mutually orthogonal. This results in a wedge-shaped barb having a generally triangular cross-sectional profile (see FIG. 33) with a relatively large lower end 102 as compared to the upper end 101, i.e., with a tapered form. This barb 18 d penetrates tissue more easily and provides greater holding strength.

Barbs in prosthetic screen tacking devices disclosed herein generally taper from a maximum transverse dimension on a side away from the loop, or other expanded portion of filament or needle whichever is/are present, to a minimum transverse dimension on a side more proximate the loop or other expanded portion of filament or needle. This encompasses a right angle triangular barb on one side of the filament, which does not have an undercut rearward surface (the rearward surface extends perpendicular to the filament), or a double barb, extending to each side of the filament. Alternatively, the barb may be a single non-right-angled barb that has a point pointing rearward. Such a barb may have a transverse dimension, starting at the rearward facing point, that first increases and then decreases again as you move forward along the barb.

Each barb may be considered to have a forward-facing surface (a surface facing the forward end of the filament at or proximate which the loop or other expanded portion or needle is/are situated) which is inclined from a surface of the filament and one or more sharp points arranged at a rearward end of the forward-facing surface. Barbs may also include a rearward-facing surface extending at an angle from a surface of the filament and which meets the forward-facing surface at the point(s). Depending on the angle at which the rearward-facing surface extends from the filament surface, an inwardly directed notch can be formed at the rear of the barb.

The tacking devices of the invention may also be used in conjunction with a button 111 as shown in FIGS. 34 and 35. After the filament or loop is pulled through the body tissue, the filament or loop is pulled through the button 111 and the button 11 is advanced downward along the filament until it locks behind barb(s), e.g., barb 18 c as shown in FIG. 35. It will be appreciated that the button 111 may be used with any of the barbs described above. The button 111 preferably has an outer diameter that is substantially larger than the width of the barbs. This makes it even more difficult for the tacking device to be withdrawn in the direction of the foot, securing the prosthesis even more. The button 111 may be allowed to sit on the surface of the skin, or be buried subcutaneously through a small skin incision. The button 111 shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 is a simple perforated disk, sufficiently plastic so that the barb 18 c can be passed through the disk in one direction, but not the other.

A different kind of button 112 is shown in FIGS. 36-38. The button 112 is provided with a slot 120. The slot 120 allows button 112 to pass over the barbs 18, 28, 38 and 48 when rotated to a first orientation shown in FIG. 37. When the button is rotated to a second orientation, shown in FIG. 38, it cannot be withdrawn.

There have been described and illustrated herein a device and method for affixing a prosthesis to the abdominal wall. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that yet other modifications could be made to the provided invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as so claimed. In particular, while multiple structures for enabling a surgical tacking device in accordance with the invention to operatively remain in place with at least a portion thereof above the abdominal wall or other the body tissue and the barbs entirely below the abdominal wall or body tissue are disclosed and multiple structures for preventing the rearward end of filament from passing through the prosthetic screen and thus the abdominal wall or body tissue, it is contemplated that all combinations of such structure are within the scope and spirit of the invention. Moreover, the needle can be used in all of the possible combinations. 

1. A surgical tacking device suitable for the fixation of a prosthetic screen to body tissue, said device comprising: a filament having a first end and a second end; at least one barb arranged on said filament between said first and second ends, said at least one barb being configured and angulated to allow said filament to pass through body tissue when said first end is pulled but to prevent said filament from passing through body tissue when said second end is pulled; and first means on said filament above said at least one barb in a direction toward said first end for enabling the surgical tacking device to remain in place with at least a portion of the surgical tacking device above the body tissue and said at least one barb entirely below the body tissue.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said first means are situated at said first end of said filament.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said first means comprise an expanded portion of said filament.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said first means comprise a loop of said filament.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said first means are arranged to forwardly pass through the body tissue when said first end is pulled and prevent or inhibit backward passage through body tissue once said first means has been forwardly passed through the body tissue.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein said filament, said at least one barb and said first means are formed in one piece.
 7. The device of claim 1, further comprising second means on said filament below said at least one barb in a direction toward said second end for preventing said second end of said filament from passing through the prosthetic screen.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein said second means are at said second end of said filament.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein said second means comprise a foot.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein said foot is substantially planar and substantially linear, circular or elliptical.
 11. The device of claim 9, wherein said foot is substantially spherical or ellipsoid.
 12. The device of claim 7, wherein said second means comprise a bead attached to said filament.
 13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a needle on said first end of said filament, said first means being arranged between said at least one barb and said needle.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein said needle is swaged to said filament.
 15. The device of claim 13, wherein said first means comprise a barb configured and angulated to have at least one point facing said second end of said filament.
 16. The device of claim 13, wherein said first means comprise a spherical bead.
 17. The device of claim 13, further comprising second means on said filament below said at least one barb in a direction toward said second end for preventing said second end of said filament from passing through the prosthetic screen.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein said second means are at said second end of said filament.
 19. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one barb tapers from a maximum transverse dimension on a side away from said first means to a minimum transverse dimension on a side more proximate said first means.
 20. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one barb has a rearward facing point and a rearward facing surface extending at an angle greater than 90 degrees to said filament such that said at least one barb has a transverse dimension from said rearward facing point that first increases and then decreases moving forward along said at least one barb.
 21. The device of claim 1, wherein said first end of said filament is a forward end and said second end of said filament is a rear end, said at least one barb having a forward-facing surface inclined from a surface of said filament and at least one sharp point arranged at a rearward end of said forward-facing surface.
 22. The device of claim 21, wherein said at least one barb further includes a rearward-facing surface extending at an angle from a surface of said filament and which meets said forward-facing surface at said at least one point.
 23. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one barb comprises a plurality of barbs.
 24. A method for affixing a prosthetic screen to the wall of the abdomen, comprising: attaching a plurality of surgical tacking devices to the screen, each tacking device including a filament having a first end and a second end, and at least one barb between the first and second ends; delivering the screen with attached tacking devices to the peritoneal cavity; passing a portion of each tacking device through the abdominal wall; then pulling the portion of the tacking device to draw more filament through the abdominal wall until the at least one barb of each tacking device lodges in the abdominal wall and affixes the screen to the abdominal wall; and constructing each tacking device to enable it to remain in place with at least a portion of the tacking device above the abdominal wall and said at least one barb entirely below the abdominal wall.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of constructing each tacking device to enable it to remain in place comprises arranging an expanded portion between the at least one barb and the first end.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of constructing each tacking device to enable it to remain in place comprises arranging a loop of the filament at the first end or between the at least one barb and the first end.
 27. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of constructing each tacking device to enable it to remain in place comprises arranging a barb on the filament angulated to allow passage of the filament through the abdominal wall in a direction toward the first end, but impede passage of the filament through the abdominal wall in a direction toward the second end.
 28. The method of claim 24, further comprising forming the tacking devices to prevent the second end of the filament from passing through the screen when the filament is drawn through the abdominal wall.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the step of forming the tacking devices to prevent the second end of the filament from passing through the screen comprises arranging a foot at the second end of the filament.
 30. The method of claim 24, further comprising cutting the tacking devices at a point between the first and second ends after the screen is affixed to the abdominal wall so that when the surgical procedure is concluded no parts of the tacking devices penetrate into or through the skin.
 31. The method of claim 24, further comprising arranging a needle at the first end of each tacking device, the step of passing a portion of each tacking device through the abdominal wall comprising passing the needle of each tacking device through the abdominal wall from inside to outside. 